Freshman Delegate Begins First Session, Seasoned Delegate Returns

On the second day of the 2018 Virginia General Assembly session I received emails from two House delegates, and it struck me how they represented the contrast of those who have gone to Richmond as public servants.

One is brand new, enjoying her first experience walking the hallways of the State Capitol as an elected official. The other is returning, a seasoned lawmaker who is very familiar with the process.

Delegate Emily Brewer, 33, is the youngest Republican and a freshman this year, a representative of the millennial generation and one of 38 women in the House. Her district is in eastern Virginia covering portions of Isle of Wight, Surry, Sussex, Suffolk City, Franklin City, Southampton, and Prince George.

Meanwhile, Delegate Steve Landes, 58, has returned for his 23rd year in the House representing parts of Augusta, Albemarle, and Rockingham counties in the Shenandoah Valley west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

That means Emily was 11 years old when Steve first went to Richmond as a freshman delegate. During the years he climbed the ladder of leadership.

Both had sent out emails to announce their committee assignments. Emily landed Finance, Science & Technology, and Militia, Police and Public Safety committees.

Steve’s committee assignments remained unchanged. He will once again serve as Chairman of the House Education Committee, Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and continue to serve on the House Privileges and Elections and House Rules Committees.

The young delegate from the east and the seasoned delegate from the west may not cross paths on committee assignments but they will share the floor of the House Chamber for the next two months.

On Thursday in her press release Delegate Brewer commented, “I am honored to have this opportunity and I look forward to working for the citizens of the 64th District on these important committees. I will continue to fight to make Virginia a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Delegate Landes noted in his statement, “I am honored to chair the House Education Committee. I look forward to implementing education innovations that will ensure every child in Virginia receives access to a high quality education, regardless of his or her ZIP code. As Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, I look forward to working with Chairman Chris Jones and my colleagues to craft a fiscally responsible budget that invests in core government functions and key priorities, while protecting the Commonwealth’s taxpayer funds.”